How to Write a Suitability Statement

Written by sampson quain

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A suitability statement is an important part of your job application. (Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

A suitability statement --- also known as a personal statement for employment --- delineates the reasons why your skills and experience are suited for a job or position for which you are a candidate. Suitability statements are a vital aspect of your resume because they give prospective employers insight into the qualities and characteristics that distinguish you from other candidates. Suitability statements are usually attached with your application, or they are included when you send a resume for a job opening.

Skill level:

Moderate

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Instructions

1

Research your prospective employer to find information, such as the corporate culture, the company's mission statement and the values the company promotes to the public. Check with your prospective employer to see if they have a preprinted form on which to write the statement. If not, use a word processing program to write your statement.

2

Begin by writing a compelling sentence that hooks the reader. Express why you are interested in the position. Use information from your research to tailor your opening to fit the qualities and objectives of your prospective employer.

3

Describe the job experiences and skills you possess that relate directly to the job or position for which you are applying. Provide specific details regarding your prior job responsibilities, special projects and achievements that demonstrate your proficiency. Instead of writing: "I managed a team of people and supervised projects," write: "As the regional manager of development for the Southwest, I was responsible for expanding into new territories and supervised a team of 25 sale representatives." Separate each skill or project into its own sentence to make it stand out.

4

Describe the personal qualities and characteristics you possess that will make you a unique addition to the company's workforce. If you have experience in the field for which you are applying, explain how that experience has enhanced your personal qualities, such as leadership, confidence and initiative. Your goal is to transform quantitative figures into qualitative characteristics, so that your prospective employer can identify you as a key player who can possibly contribute toward boosting the company's revenues as well as professional standing.

5

Explain how your personal and professional skills match the kind of employee the company is seeking. Be specific in making your claim. For example, instead of writing: "My job history and experience will enhance your company," write: "I am seeking the challenge of working in your international distribution division, where my extensive experience in regional marketing and sales can be utilised in a beneficial way." By being specific, you link your experience to the prospective position in a tangible way.

6

Conclude by expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to be considered, and list your contact information, including your phone number and e-mail address. Close the letter with "Sincerely yours," or "Yours truly." Write your name and provide a signature between the closing and your printed name.

Tips and warnings

Show your statement to a friend or colleague to check for spelling and grammatical errors. Revise your statement several times before you send it out.

Use resume-quality paper when you print your statement

Limit the statement to one page. Employers may receive hundreds of applications, and they may skip statements that are too long.

Unless you are using a preprinted form and are instructed to hand write it, type the letter on a computer.